Read More

In fact, many took to social media with cutting tongue-in-cheek remarks about the design of the £19 million project, which is due to open in spring 2018.

One onlooker Ben, 37, was with friends inside Vino Vino, opposite the casino, and said: “Some people were saying ‘call the fire brigade’ but some people were saying ‘don’t’, jokingly.

“Some people were saying things like ‘it’s a horrible building’ and ‘it shouldn’t be allowed.

He added: “Someone said, ‘don’t ring anyone’. Someone from the same lot of people said, ‘don’t, let it burn. It’s a horrible, horrible building’.

“The big thing at the moment is everyone’s a bit cross. It shouldn’t be allowed. If you paint your door the wrong colour in Bath you get shafted.

“A lot of people were like, ‘oh good, the monstrosity is on fire.’”

Comments from the Chronicle's story on the fire

People commenting on social media were not much kinder, with dozens criticising the aesthetics of the building, which was designed with the help of architects AWW inspired environments and Aaron Evans Associates together with Mi-space.

“If it burns down could we please have something a bit more classy in its place,” said Andrew Vincent.

Peter King was blunter with his verdict. “Good hope the whole place burns down,” he wrote on the Chronicle’s Facebook page. “Hideous building”.

“Really do not want this casino in Bath,” said Soph Eamez.

GV of new casino development in Saw Close (Image: Artur Lesniak/Trinity Mirror)

The story was similar on Twitter, where @LansdownView posted:

“Glad fire department was at #casino swiftly but @bathnes worth listening 2 people’s views on this building that’s been inflicted on city.”

Rita Lazaro is also unimpressed with the building, tweeting: “Well, maybe this will serve as the public consultation they never did. How @bathnes approved this a la 60s architectural vom is beyond me!”

One Twitter user said the comments criticising the look of the casino, which is located opposite the Theatre Royal, should have been made during the planning process.

“Too little too late on how awful the casino is,” posted Shannon (@Canuck_in_Bath). “Wish they’d all voiced their concerns during the planning app stage. Not much use now it’s built.”